finally another new cousin

Six weeks ago a new baby cousin was added to the Beachy mix... Kiana Sachiko. The kids got to see her for the first time this week. They (especially Carsyn) LOVED to hold her. She is a sweet baby!!

baby it's cold outside...

but not inside!!

This weekend Dale (and his dad, brother and a few friends) installed a new wood burning fireplace in our house!! We are so excited and can't wait til it's cold so we can use it (btw- that's the only time you will hear me use a reference to cold in such a positive manner!!)

before... (Dale did a lot of work on the chimney)

after...

christmas

Reagan's newest book ....
(it's complete with illustrations- maybe next time I photograph them and add it to the post):

Christmas

"I like Christmas because we get to go to grandma's and celebrate God's birthday. My grandma loves me and Carsyn and Luke. Christmas makes me smile because we get presents from God and animals sticking out of our stocking from grandma. Our cousins are there to play with. I like my grandma's house."

life- read if you want to hear me complain

As I look back over the majority of my blog posts I have noticed that they all lean toward the "fun" part of our lives. Mostly I use the blog as a journal of my children's daily activities with a few other things sprinkled in here and there. It would seem to all (including my children who will read this in 20+ years when they are parents) that our life is easy -that having 3 kids in 2.75 years is a piece of cake! We are constantly seen crafting, playing games, reading, doing puzzles, baking, and going fun places. I LOVE to post about all that. I enjoy reading, seeing pictures and remembering the good times. But it's not all good.....

So here it is... the post about "the bad and the ugly."

Currently I am swimming in a sea of chaos. 2 of the last 3 weeks I have been sick. In bed sick. The first week it was, "Please Lord Jesus. Just come and get me" kind of sick.

The second week it was, "Please Lord Jesus just make it go away."

This week I am functioning. I feel much better (even good at times) but I AM SO TIRED!!

Just to ease your fears... NO I am not pregnant, NO I did not have H1N1 and just to shorten this part of the post I will tell you that the doctors could not figure out what was wrong....

So here I am trying to regain control of my life. It's not easy when momma's down- things begin to pile. * I must say that Dale did a tremendous job!! Working, cooking, cleaning, doing homework, managing the kids etc... I have a terrific husband! Couldn't have survived without him. I also had help with carpool and meals the second week. That was such a blessing! (THANK YOU everyone!!)

But now here I am trying to pick up the pieces of my life... piles of laundry, an empty fridge, dust, decorations to go down, decorations to go up, emails to answer, bills to pay, field trips to go on (2 this week), PLUS we are celebrating Christmas next week (presents, wrapping, pj's to make)!

So you see... I am overwhelmed. Overwhelmed and complaining. Because I can. Because it shows the other side of me.

So now I am off to do something from my mile long list so that I can crash at 7:00 tonight (and miss Glee)....

the rams

Sunday I went to the Rams game with my niece Cori. When we got there and located our seats we were stunned to find that we were practically sitting ON the field! We were 6 rows from the end zone. Incredible! I could have said anything I wanted to Bulger and he would have actually heard me! (I chose to take the high road). At one point the the guy in front of us said, "channel Kurt!" Made me laugh (in agreement!)!!! Even though they lost I think it was their best game yet. We had a fantastic time!!!


hard to tell but above that guy's head is our first touchdown!

a new experience

Last month we decided to collect hats for children with cancer. We got the idea from here. We collected 12 hats all together and dropped them off at Children's this past Saturday. My kids were in awe at the hospital. They had no idea there was such a place for sick children to go. Many discussions ensued. It was a good experience for us all- one that we will repeat next year.

soccer (the last one, i promise)

Carsyn's team played their last game of the season. It was unseasonably warm- somewhere near 70. A perfect day for soccer! She scored 1 goal!! Yahoo!! She definitely has a natural talent.

However, this was our conversation at bed:
C: Mom I really don't like soccer.
M: Interesting. Cause you're a great player. I can see the God has given you a gift for running, staying focused on the ball and teamwork.
C: Well maybe I'm good at other sports.
M: Well, we have time to find out. Besides soccer isn't until net year.....


her GOAL!!!

watch this move:
steal...
dribble in...
shoot...

she will be famous one day

Reagan has been trying her hand at being an author these days. She is in love with stories and even more in love with writing everything down. Here are 2 she wrote at school...

story 1....

I like mom because she is very special. She makes the best food. She could be a cook when she grows up. I take care of her when her tummy hurts. I love her because she is very special.

Nice form huh?! Opening sentence, 3 supporting sentences and then a closer....

story 2....

My dad is special. He is good and funny. He is very special. I love him!

She is currently working on an in-depth story about Lewis and Clark (yes, I said Lewis and Clark!!) :)

Below is her attire after school Thursday. She is one special girl!

just who are those pilgrims??

Tonight one of the questions on Luke's homework was:

Who were the Pilgrims?

Luke looked strangely at Dale and said, "I don't know their names!"

I think Mrs. H will get a kick out of that answer!!! :)

my soccer girl

One of my favorite blog friends (who I happen to know in "real" life too) graciously gifted me/my blog with an award. Thank you to the very kind Sara-queen-of-all-things-crafty. I am glad to know my blog gets read by others besides my family... :)




As part of the award process I am suppose to answer the following questions with one word answers...

1. Where is your cell phone? counter
2. Your hair? uglyred
3. Your mother? arizona
4. Your father? ditto
5. Your favorite food? mexican
6. Your dream last night? crazy
7. Your favorite drink? frozenmargarita
8. Your dream/goal? beachhouse
9. What room are you in? bedroom
10. Your hobby? sleeping
11. Your fear? rodents
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? beach
13. Where were you last night? sofa
14. Something that you aren't? kind
15. Muffins? blueberry
16. Wish list item? beachhouse
17. Where did you grow up? zion
18. Last thing you did? clean
19. What are you wearing? skirt
20. Your TV? hidden
21. Your pets? dead
22. Friends? necessary
23. Your life? intentional
24. Your mood? sleepy
25. Missing someone? yes
26. Vehicle? expedition
27. Something you’re not wearing? shoes
28. Your favorite store? anthropologie
29. Your favorite color? blue
30. When was the last time you laughed? tonight
31. Last time you cried? yesterday
32. Your best friend? dale
33. One place that I go to over and over? ccs
34. One person who emails me regularly? dale
35. Favorite place to eat? el mariachi

one final thing... I am paying it forward to the following blogs- which are my favorites:


jodie at fresh art
emily at emily's little world
lisa at way out smouts
melanie at lilygray
sarah at 123....

I LOVE to read your blogs....

funny things i never thought i would say....

"Luke are you tiny pinching? Please stop tiny pinching!"

"Reagan. It is not appropriate for you to run around the house naked!"

finally a fall day

We are so glad the sunshine has returned!